GCE A/L ICT GIT

📘 GCE A/L ICT SYLLABUS

Sri Lanka • 2019 Onward • 14 Units • Theory + Practical + Programming

1.1 Introduction to ICT

• Data vs Information
• ICT components (hardware, software, people)
• ICT in society (education, health, business)

1.2 ICT Ethics & Issues

• Privacy, copyright
• Cybercrime
• Digital divide
• lesson-1
• Tamil-medium-ict
• data-information
• test-paper-questions

👉 What you learn: Real-world impact of ICT • Social + ethical responsibility

Key Topics

• Evolution of computers (generations)
• Computer types (super, mini, micro)
• Von Neumann architecture
• CPU structure (ALU, CU, Registers)
• Fetch–Execute Cycle

👉 What is taught: How computers process instructions at hardware level

Core Concepts

• Number systems (Binary, Decimal, Hex)
• Conversions between systems
• 2's Complement for negative numbers
• Character encoding (ASCII, Unicode)
• lesson-3

👉 Core concept: (1010)₂ = (10)₁₀

👉 Must master: Fast conversions (VERY COMMON MCQ)

Key Topics

• Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR)
• Truth tables
• Boolean algebra simplification
• Karnaugh Maps (K-Maps)
• Flip-flops, Adders
• lesson-4.1
• lesson-4.2
• lesson-4.3
• lesson-4.4
• lesson-4.5
• lesson-4.6
• lesson-4.7

👉 What is taught: Circuit design • Expression simplification

Key Topics

• Functions of OS
• Process states (New, Ready, Running, Waiting)
• Scheduling algorithms (FCFS, SJF)
• Memory management techniques
• lesson-5

👉 What you learn: How OS controls hardware & manages processes

Key Topics

• Network types (LAN, WAN, MAN)
• OSI Model (7 layers) + functions
• TCP/IP Model comparison
• IP Addressing & Subnetting calculations
• Network topologies (Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh)
• Transmission media (wired & wireless)
• lesson-6

🎯 High scoring: Subnet calculations • OSI layer functions

Key Topics

• Information systems (TPS, MIS, DSS)
• SDLC phases (Planning → Analysis → Design → Implementation → Maintenance)
• Feasibility study (Technical, Economic, Operational)
• Requirement analysis techniques
• DFD diagrams (Context, Level 0, Level 1)
• UML basics (Use Case, Class diagrams)
• lesson-7
• lesson-7 Q

👉 What you learn: How real software systems are built • Drawing diagrams (EXAM FAVORITE)

📊 Weight: ~20% of total marks

Key Topics

• Database concepts & terminology
• ER diagrams (Entities, Attributes, Relationships)
• Relationship types (1:1, 1:M, M:N)
• Normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF)
• SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, JOIN)

👉 What you learn: Designing efficient databases • Writing practical queries

Key Topics

• Algorithms & flowcharts design
• Python programming fundamentals
• Variables, data types, operators
• Control structures (if, for, while)
• Functions & modular programming
• Arrays/lists manipulation
• File handling (read/write)
• OOP basics (Class, Object, Inheritance)

👉 What is taught: Problem solving using code • Logical thinking development

📊 Weight: ~25% of total marks (HIGHEST)

Key Topics

• HTML5 (structure, semantic tags, forms)
• CSS3 (selectors, box model, responsive design)
• PHP basics (server-side scripting)
• MySQL integration with PHP
• Building dynamic, database-driven websites

👉 What you learn: Full-stack basics • Create functional web applications

Key Topics

• Microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32 basics)
• Sensors & actuators (temperature, motion, light)
• Simple automation systems design
• IoT architecture & communication protocols

👉 Practical concept: Smart systems (e.g., automatic temperature monitor)

Key Topics

• E-commerce models (B2B, B2C, C2C)
• Digital marketing strategies
• Online payment systems & security
• ICT for business process improvement

Key Topics

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning basics
• Cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Blockchain technology fundamentals
• Big Data concepts & applications

👉 Note: Added in latest syllabus update • Focus on concepts & real-world applications

What you do

• Build a real system (software or web app)
• Apply SDLC principles from Unit 7
• Document requirements, design, implementation
• Test and present your solution

👉 Note: Not always included in final written exam • Used for practical understanding & school-based assessment

🚀 HOW TO STUDY ICT (EXPERT STRATEGY)

• Practice past papers daily
• Master Python coding with hands-on exercises
• Learn DFD + ER diagrams perfectly (draw repeatedly)
• Do network calculations until confident
• Focus on structured questions (Paper 2) - they carry more marks

🔥 Final Tip: ICT is NOT a memory subject only. You must: Understand logic • Practice coding • Apply knowledge

📗 GCE A/L GIT SYLLABUS

Sri Lanka • IT Literacy + Practical Knowledge + Real-World Application

1.1 Introduction to ICT

• Definition of ICT
• Data vs Information
• Characteristics of information (accuracy, relevance, timeliness)
• ICT in daily life (education, business, health)

🎯 Exam focus: Differences (data vs information) • Real-life examples

1.2 Components of ICT

• Hardware (input, output, storage, processing)
• Software (system software, application software)
• Peopleware & Procedures

💡 Examples: Input → Keyboard, Mouse | Output → Monitor, Printer

1.3 Evolution of Computers

• Generations of computers (1st to 5th)
• Key technologies: Vacuum tubes → Transistors → ICs → Microprocessors → AI

1.4 Number Systems & Data Representation

• Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal systems
• Conversions between number systems
• ASCII & Unicode character encoding
• Bits, Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB

👉 Core concept: (1011)₂ = (11)₁₀

2.1 Input Devices

• Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
• MICR (cheque processing), OCR (document scanning)
• Touch screens, Sensors, Biometric devices

2.2 Output Devices

• Monitors: LCD, LED, OLED
• Printers: Inkjet, Laser, Dot-matrix
• Projectors, Speakers, Plotters

2.3 Storage Devices

• Primary: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile)
• Secondary: HDD, SSD, Pen drive, Optical discs
• Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox

2.4 Processing Devices

• CPU components: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), CU (Control Unit)
• Registers & Cache memory
• Clock speed & processing power

🔑 Important concept: IPO Cycle (Input → Process → Output)

3.1 System Software

• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Functions: File management, Memory management, Process control
• Device drivers & Firmware

3.2 Application Software

• Word processing (MS Word, Google Docs)
• Spreadsheets (MS Excel, Google Sheets)
• Presentations (MS PowerPoint, Google Slides)
• Graphics, Database, Communication software

3.3 Utility Software

• Antivirus & Anti-malware tools
• Backup & Recovery tools
• Disk cleanup, Defragmentation, File compression

4.1 Basics of Networking

• Network types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
• Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet
• Network purposes: Resource sharing, Communication

4.2 Network Devices

• Router (connects networks)
• Switch (connects devices in LAN)
• Hub, Modem, Access Point, Firewall

4.3 Transmission Media

• Wired: Twisted pair, Coaxial, Fiber optic
• Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth, Satellite, Microwave
• Bandwidth, Speed, Distance comparison

4.4 Internet Services

• Email (SMTP, POP3, IMAP)
• World Wide Web (WWW) & Browsers
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
• Video conferencing, Cloud services

5.1 Types of Information Systems

• TPS: Transaction Processing System (daily operations)
• MIS: Management Information System (reports for managers)
• DSS: Decision Support System (strategic decisions)
• OAS: Office Automation System (document workflows)

5.2 System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• Planning → Analysis → Design → Implementation → Maintenance
• Purpose of each phase
• Documentation at each stage

5.3 System Development Models

• Waterfall Model (linear, sequential)
• Agile Model (iterative, flexible)
• Spiral Model (risk-driven)
• RAD (Rapid Application Development)

🎯 Exam tip: Compare models with advantages & disadvantages

6.1 Database Concepts

• Data, Information, Database, DBMS
• Table, Record (Row), Field (Column)
• Primary Key, Foreign Key basics

6.2 DBMS Advantages

• Data security & access control
• Data consistency & reduced redundancy
• Concurrent access & backup/recovery

6.3 Basic SQL Commands

• SELECT – Retrieve data
• INSERT – Add new records
• UPDATE – Modify existing data
• DELETE – Remove records

💡 Exam focus: Simple query writing & understanding syntax

7.1 Internet & Web Basics

• Website vs Webpage vs Web application
• Browser (Chrome, Firefox) vs Server (Apache, Nginx)
• URL structure & Domain names

7.2 Basic Web Design

• HTML basics: <html>, <head>, <body>
• Common tags: <h1>, <p>, <a>, <img>, <table>
• Lists, Forms, Semantic structure

📝 Example: <a href="https://example.com">Link</a>

7.3 Web Hosting Concepts

• Domain registration (.lk, .com)
• Web hosting types: Shared, VPS, Dedicated
• FTP for uploading files

8.1 ICT in Society

• Education: E-learning, LMS, Online exams
• Banking: E-banking, ATMs, Mobile payments
• Health: E-health records, Telemedicine
• Government: E-governance, Online services

8.2 E-Commerce

• Models: B2B, B2C, C2C, C2B
• Online shopping platforms
• Payment systems: Cards, E-wallets, Bank transfers
• Security in online transactions

🎯 Exam focus: Real-world examples from Sri Lankan context

9.1 Computer Ethics

• Privacy & Data protection
• Intellectual property rights
• Copyright, Plagiarism, Software licensing
• Responsible use of social media

9.2 Cyber Security Threats

• Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware
• Phishing, Social engineering
• Hacking, Identity theft, Cyber bullying

9.3 Safety Practices

• Strong passwords & Two-factor authentication
• Regular software updates
• Data backup strategies (3-2-1 rule)
• Firewall & Antivirus usage

🔐 Key message: Prevention is better than cure in cyber security

10.1 Word Processing

• Text formatting: Font, Size, Color, Alignment
• Paragraph styles, Bullets, Numbering
• Tables, Images, Headers & Footers
• Mail Merge for bulk letters/certificates

10.2 Spreadsheets

• Cell references: Relative (A1) vs Absolute ($A$1)
• Basic formulas: +, -, *, /
• Functions: SUM(), AVERAGE(), MAX(), MIN(), COUNT()
• Charts: Bar, Pie, Line graphs

💡 Example: =SUM(B2:B10) adds values from B2 to B10

10.3 Presentations

• Slide design & layout selection
• Adding text, images, shapes, charts
• Transitions & Animations (use sparingly)
• Presenter view & Slide notes

🎯 Exam tip: Practical questions often ask for step-by-step procedures

🎯 HOW TO STUDY GIT (EXPERT STRATEGY)

• ✅ Focus on definitions + real-world examples (exam favorites)
• ✅ Practice past papers weekly – pattern recognition is key
• ✅ Master MCQ patterns – many questions repeat concepts
• ✅ Don't skip practical tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• ✅ Create comparison tables (RAM vs ROM, LAN vs WAN, etc.)

🚀 Bonus Tip: GIT is HIGH SCORING – an A grade is very achievable if you: Memorize key definitions • Understand concepts • Practice regularly

🔄 ICT vs GIT: Quick Comparison

Choose the right subject for your strengths & career goals

Aspect	📘 ICT	📗 GIT
Primary Focus	Technical depth + Programming + System Design	IT Literacy + Practical Application + Real-world Use
Programming	✅ Python, OOP, Algorithms, File Handling	❌ Basic/None – Focus on using software
Math Requirement	Moderate to High (binary, logic, subnetting)	Low (basic conversions only)
Exam Style	MCQ + Structured + Essays + Coding Questions	Mostly MCQ + Short Answers + Practical Steps
Key Units	Programming (25%), System Analysis (20%), Database	Practical Apps (Word/Excel), Hardware, Networking
Best For Students Who...	Love coding, logic puzzles, building systems, engineering path	Prefer practical IT skills, business applications, arts/commerce path
Difficulty Level	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Advanced)	⭐⭐ (Beginner-Friendly)
Scoring Potential	High if you practice coding & diagrams	Very High – A grade achievable with consistent revision

🎯 Which should YOU choose?
• Pick ICT if: You enjoy problem-solving with code, plan to study CS/Engineering, or want deep technical skills.
• Pick GIT if: You want practical IT knowledge for business/admin roles, prefer memorization over coding, or need a high-scoring subject.

💡 Pro Tip: Many students take BOTH if their school allows – GIT for easy marks, ICT for university prep!

📚 Topics Covered in BOTH Subjects

Topic	ICT Depth	GIT Depth
Number Systems	Advanced conversions, 2's complement	Basic binary/decimal/hex
Networking	OSI model, subnetting calculations	LAN/WAN basics, device functions
Databases	ER diagrams, normalization, complex SQL	Basic concepts, simple SELECT/INSERT
Web Tech	PHP + MySQL dynamic sites	HTML basics, hosting concepts
System Analysis	Full SDLC, DFD, UML diagrams	SDLC phases, model comparisons